YOLANDA OF SICILY.

SIcily is a famous Island in the Mediterranean, at the farther end of Italy. Its Extent, the Fertility of its Soil, and the [...]ecurity of its Ports, render it, with­ [...]ut contradiction, the most conside­ [...]able of that Sea. All these Advan­ [...]ges, which ought to make it a hap­ [...]y Kingdom, have onely serv'd to [...]nder it the Prey of all the Nations [...] Africa and Europe, between which [...]wo Parts of the World it is situated [...]he Greeks, the Carthaginians, the [...]omans, and Saracens, made it for a [Page 2]long time the Stage of War. The Kings of Naples of the House of Anjou, and the Kings of Aragon, did afterwards dispute the Possession of it with the highest obstinacy: The Sicilian Vespers rendred the latter the Masters of this Realm, the Par­tizans of the House of Anjou having been sor the most part exterminated in that fatal Day, and the Spanish Policy having since taken care to extinguish all that remain'd of that Party.

The House of Cigala was one of the most considerable of those which bore an affection to the French Name; but the Spaniards being peaceable Possessors of the Island, that Illustrious Family saw it self upon the point of being destroy'd, when it was seen to rise again by an Accident altogether extraordinary.

Some Turkish Corsaires having made a Descent into Sicily, they car­ried away from thence several Slaves, amongst whom was the [Page 3]Head of the House of Cigala, with an onely Son of about seven or eight years of age. The Father being dead in Chains, the Son was by the Turks put into the Seraglio, where he perfected himself in all the Exer­cises which are taught the Youth. The vivacity of his Wit, which had gained him the good Opinion and Favour of the Grand Seignior, ob­tained him immediately considera­ble Employments at the Port; and his Merit made him afterwards at­tain to the principal Charges of the Ottoman Empire. He it was who rendred himself so Famous under the Name of Bashaw Cigala. The re­membrance of his Extraction, and the Sentiments of a Religion which the Turks had not been able to extin­guish in his Heart, tho' he quitted it in a very tender Age, created in him often a Desire of returning into his own Country: But these Impressi­ons would not have been strong enough to have made him take that [Page 4]Resolution, if he had not been deter­mined to it by an extraordinary Oc­casion.

The Custom of the Turks allow­ing 'em to have several Wives, there hapned to be one amongst those of the Bashaw who had been taken up­on the Coasts of Italy, being a Per­son of Quality, and very much wed­ded to her Religion. She reinfla­med in the Bosom of Cigala all that had been left therein of his first E­ducation, which made him at length resolve to return with her into his Native Country. He landed at Messina, with immense Riches, after having escaped with a great deal of difficulty from the Vigilancy of the Turks. Being thus re-entred into the Religion of his Forefathers, he quickly re-united to his Family most of the Lands which had been alie­nated from it. His Riches, and the Splendour of this Life, began to re­vive the Jealousie of the Spaniards, when that the change of Climate [Page 5]put a period to the Days of this Great Man. He left but one Son by his Marriage; and this Son, who was called Don Bernardin, was brought up hy his Mother with all the Care imaginable. No sooner was he out of his Infancy, than that he resolved to court Glory in the Field of War: The emulation he had for that which his Father had acquired therein, made him follow that Noble Calling with a great deal fo Success; and he would with­out doubt have made great progress in that Career, if the Jealousie of the Spaniards, whom the Fathers Merit had given but too much umbrage, had not deprived him of the Means. They would have made sure of Don Bernardin, by engaging him to ma­ry a young Lady of their Nation; but all their Practices were in vain, and Don Bernardin, who had no less aversion for them than his Pre­decessors, and who sought to gain a considerable Support against 'em, [Page 6]married a Roman Princess of the No­ble Family of the Ʋrsins. The Grandeur of this Alliance, and the Union of Don Bernardin to a House that had ever been wedded to the French Party, already gave umbrage to the Spaniards: But having disco­vered in several Rencounters their Ill-will, and remarked their Incli­nation contrary to his Family, he did not doubt but that the same Reasons would make 'em seek out the Means of ruining it a second time; and knowing by experience how dangerous it is to incur the In­dignation of his Masters, he resol­ved to avoid the Occasions of giving them any Jealousie in vain, and to withdraw into a Country-house, far from all Commerce, where he spent some Years, waiting till Time should furnish him with the Occasions of shewing 'em his Resentment. The Power of the House of Austria be­ing weakned at that time by the happy Success of the Arms of the [Page 7] French, Don Bernardin judg'd that this might give Occasion to some Motion in the Dominions which the King of Spain possesses in Intaly: He was not mistaken in his Conje­ctures. The Kingdom of Naples being revolted, and the Malecon­tents having called in the Duke of Guise to assure themselves of a Head, Don Bernadin thought that time proper for the Designs he had medi­tated. He took Measures with that Duke, and set Cabals on foot in the Island. The Spaniards had some suspicion of these Practices, and tho' all his Cabals were not come to their knowledge, they discover'd enough of 'em to take the Resolution of de­stroying Cigala. Cardinal Trivulce being then Vice Roy of Sicily, re­ceived order from Spain to take him into Custody; and tho' this Enter­prise was somewhat difficult, this Cardinal, who was one of the most able Politicians of his time, executed it with so much cunning, that Don [Page 8] Bernardin was taken, and carried to the Castle of S. Sauveur; the Vice-Roy having had the Precaution to send out of the way part of Cigala's Friends, to engage others in his In­terests, and to amuse' em all, by as­suring 'em, that the Court procee­ed onely in that manner to take away all pretext from the Duke of Guise, from publishing in Naples, as he did, That he had a great Party in Sicily, and that all the Kingdom would suddenly declare infavour of him. When Don Bernardin was ta­ken into Custody, he had an onely Daughter of about five or six Years of age, called Yolanda: The Duke of Guise, having had the misfortune of falling into the Hands of the Spani­ards, was carried into Spain; and the Disorders of Naples were quick­ly ended by severe Punishments. The Spaniards having no more rea­son to fear any Rising or Revolt in Sicily, the Friends of the House of Cigala were in hopes that Don Ber­nardin [Page 9]would be set at liberty; but they expected it in vain.

The Senate of Messina, that inter­ressed it self in the Preservation of a Man with whose Merit they were so well acquainted, and who besides judged, that a perpetual Imprison­ment, upon meer Suspicions, would be of a dangerous Example to the most Considerable Persons of the Kingdom, caus'd his Releasment to be demanded of the King of Spain: But very far from obtaining this Request, their pressing Solicitations did so exasperate the Council, and the King took it so ill that the Se­nate should make the Business of a Private Person its own, that it was resolved from that time to suppress its, Authority. And indeed all the Governours, who have been since sent to Messina, have had secret Me­moires to endeavour the Execution of this Design. This is the true beginning and source of the Mis­fortunes which have oppressed that. [Page 10]City in these latter Times. Don Bernardin was still strictly kept in Prison: His best Friends advised him to dissemble his Resentment, and to comply with Time by making great Submissions to the Spaniards. A Counsel so opposite to his natural. Inclination, and the grandeur of a Courage which knew not how to bend, put him at first to as much pain as his Imprisonment, not being able to promise what he perceived it would be difficult for him to keep, but in short, this Advice was too healing to be neglected, and he was forced to comply with it, after a great many Conflicts. The Duke of Salvonella, who succeeded Cardi­nal Trivulce in the Vice-Roy ship of Sicily, and whom the Friends of Don Bernardin had engaged in his Interests, was overjoyed to see him in Sentiments conformable to their Counsels: He wrote into Spain in favour of this Prisoner, and hopes were given him that regard should [Page 11]be had to his Remonstranees. But whether that there still remained some Mistrust in the Minds of the Ministers, or that he had had secret Enemies who opposed his Releas­ment, he remained still a Prisoner.

The Spaniards commonly seek to make sure of the Fidelity of Fami­lies the most Considerable in the States subject to their Government; and have not found a more assured Means of bringing that about, than that of having brought up at Ma­drid Children of the Highest Qua­lity, whom they detain at Court as Hostages of their Parents Servitude: They engage 'em afterwards in Mar­riages with Spanish Ladies, who of­ten bring no other Portion into those Families than the Hopes alone of a Government suitable to their Extraction. The Prince of Escaletta, and Don Augustin Gregorio, both of 'em Messineses, were then at Madrid, in quality of Meninos or Children of Honour to the King of Spain. [Page 12]The Duke of Salmonetta, who for­got nothing that might usefully serve Don Bernardin, advised him to send into Spain Yolanda his onely Daugh­ter, to be brought up there near the Queen: and that this Mark of Trust might both promote his Liberty, and afterwards procure him several other Favours Don Bernardin resist­ed a long while the Reasons of the Vice-Roy; the Tenderness he had for his Daughter, was a great Ob­stacle to this Separation. But what would he not have don, to see him­self free after so long an Imprison­ment? He suffered himself to be persuaded, and consented that the Dutchess of Salmonetta, who was returning into Spain, should take Yolanda with her thither. This young Lady was about ten years of age; and as she had an extreme re­pugnance to part from her Parents, who had already inspired into her the Sentiments of their Family a­gainst the Spaniards, she did not [Page 13]love 'em at all. Thus was she very loth to go this Voyage; yet they knew so well how to take advantage of the weakness of her Infancy, that she suffered her felf at length to be conducted to Madrid, where she was received into the number of the Queens Maids of Honour, or Da­mas de Palacio.

After such a Sacrifice, Don Ber­nardin thought he might with right press the Court to grant him his Li­berty. He made new Instances, and employed all his Friends, without obtaining any thing more than Words, in which he could not put any confidence, because they had fail'd him already several times. He was besides afraid, that the Council of Spain had resolved upon his Ru­ine. Certain it is, that he died in a short while after in the Prison, and without its ever yet being fully known if his Death were Natural. However, as on these occasions Peo­ple are ever inclined to believe the [Page 14]worst, no Body but suspected they had hastned his Days; and all the Nobility of Messina had in such ab­horrence so barbarous an Action, that since that time they have ever look'd upon the Spaniards as down­right Enemies, who cannot endure those who are Eminent, either for their Quality, or their Merit. The Wife of Don Bernardin died in a short while after. Thus Yolanda finding herself an Orphan at twelve Years of age, the Queen, who bore her a tender Love, endeavoured to comfort her with fair Promises.

Yolanda sometimes saw the Prince of Escaletta and Don August in Gre­gorio. These two young Cavaliers, who spoke to her without con­straint, acquainted her with the Ru­mors which ran of her Fathers Death being hastned, and the Indignation which all the Nobility of Messina had conceived upon that account. As she had a great deal of Wit, and more Sagacity than Maidens of that [Page 15]Age usually have, this News did so highly augment her Aversion to the Spaniards, that she could not for­bear shewing it upon occasion. She durst not however give it vent be­fore the World; but when she found her self alone with the Prince of Escaletta and D. Augustin, she abando­ned her self to all her Griefs, and spoke no less than of revenging the Death of her Father, and of giving her self afterwards for a Reward to him who should free her Country from the Government of the Spani­ards. They both partook with her in her Resentment; but the Prince of Escaletta, who was the oldest of the two, assured her, That he should esteem himself very happy, if he could contribute to her Revenge; and that he would perish with de­light in so glorious a Design. Yo­landa took this very kindly at his Hands, and desired him to be mind­ful of his Engagement. This Gon­versation ended by Assurances of a [Page 16]great deal of Acknowledgement in Yolanda, and of an eternal Devotion on the part of the Prince of Esca­letta.

Such like Entertainments created in 'em a great Esteem for one ano­ther; and as there is no great di­stance from this Sentiment to Love, the Prince of Escaletta found him­self in a short while passionately en­amour'd of Yolanda. She was at fourteen years of age the most per­fect Beauty of all Spain: She had a delicate and advantageous Shape; her Complexion was of a surprising White and Incarnation; never was there finer Eyes than hers; they were full, black, and passionate to such a point, as it was impossible to look upon 'em without being filled with Wonder and Adoration; her Nose was well proportioned, her Mouth somewhat large, but set off with Lips of a wonderful Colour; her Teeth perfectly fine, the turn of her Face accomplished, her Neck [Page 17]well formed for her Age; and be­sides all this, the Qualities of her Mind much surpassing those of her beautiful Body. The Queen was so satisfied with her Person, and had so much Kindness for her, that she had several times refused to her Re­lations the Permission for her re­turning to Messina, and had declared to them, That she did not in the least design to deprive her self so soon of so lovely a Person. And that she Might suffer this kind of Impri­sonment with the less impatience, she was allowed little Liberties, which are not used to be granted to the Maids of Honour. The young Prince of Escaletta, and Don Augu­stin Gregorio, were sometimes al­lowed to vist her, because they were of the same Country. The first found his Passion to augment every day: Yet as it is a Crime in Spain to speak of Love to one of the Queens Maids of Honour, and that to be banish'd away from thence is [Page 18]inevitable, if that one be discovered, every time that the Prince called to mind, that he could not give any Tokens of his Passion to Yolanda, without exposing himself to the be­ing separated from her, he had no longer the power to speak. This Consideration would perhaps for a long while have detained him in si­lence, if Don Augustin had not one day made known to him, by his Di­scourses, that Yolanda seem'd to him so charming, that he began to enter­tain for her something more strong than Friendship. The Prince very much surpris'd at this Account, con­tented himself at that time with telling his Friend, That it was very dangerous for him to confide in any other less discreet Friend the Senti­ments he had for Yolanda, desiring him very earnestly to be reserved upon that Point, for fear they should be both forbid to see her. Don Au­gustin yielded to these Reasons, and promised to follow his Counsels. [Page 19]The Prince being afraid that his Rival speaking first, might establish himself in the Heart of Yolanda, re­solved to declare to her his Passion, whenever he met with her alone.

The Design which set him on to seek for that Occasion, made his Looks seem to be in some perplexi­ty; which Yolanda perceiving, she asked him the Cause thereof. The Prince, who would never have da­red to have told her his Sentiments for her, became more bold thro' the Curiosity she had shewed, and made her Answer, That one of his Friends, who was passionately in love with one of the Queens Maids of Honour, had hapned to speak of his Passion to her who had produced it; that she had threatned to give the Queen notice thereof; and that his Friend was in the greatest Consternation imaginable, fearing to be separated from her he lo­ved; That he desired her to tell him if she approved of such violent Senti­ments in a Beautiful Person, for whom [Page 20]his Friend had a Passion full of Re­spect, which he explain'd, it being no longer in his power to conceal it. Yo­landa, without making him any An­swer to his Question, desired him to tell her that Ladies Name. The Prince, pretending not to name it out of discretion for his Friend, drew the Pourtraict of Yolanda, and there­by made known to her his Passion. As she had a great deal of Wit, she easily knew what he had a mind to give her to understand: I am very glad, said she to him, something dis­order'd, that you your self have taught me before-hand what my Duty is: I should be afraid you might have an ill Opinion of me, if I did not follow your Counsels, by complaining to the Queen of your Boldness. A troublesom Un­der-Governess, coming in at that time, deprived them of the means of continuing that Conversation. The Prince before he parted told her in the Sicilian Tongue, That having devoted himself entirely to [Page 21]her Service, he desired her to be mindful that she could not sacrifice him, without losing the Man who endeavoured to revenge her. But the Air wherewith she left him, ha­ving given him to understand, that she was not displeased at his Bold­ness, he withdrew very much satis­fied with having discovered to her a Secret which he had found so pain­ful to conceal from her.

Yolanda, who had never felt any other Desire than that of being re­venged, and who was not yet ac­quainted with Love, was very much surprised at what she had just learnt from the Prince of Escaletta, and making Reflection upon all the Care and Pains he had taken to please her, she judged that his Passion must of necessity be very violent. At first the austerity of her Virtue made her repent the having shewed so little Anger at their parting; but what she owed her Father, coming to pre­sent it self to her Imagination, she [Page 22]resolved not to discourage that Prince. Perhaps she did to satisfie her Inclination, what she thought she afforded to the Hopes of being revenged.

The Prince on his side courted the Occasions of discoursing her, that he might the more clearly make her explain her Mind: How­ever, fearing he could not be alone with her, he asked her in the pre­sence of Don Augustin, if the Anger of her Companion did still conti­nue. Yolanda, who understood his Thoughts, made him answer, That the Person had upon her desire par­doned the Offence that had been done her; nay, that she allowed his Friend to love her, upon condition he would never tell it her again. Don Augustin, who understood no­thing of this Language, was very impatient to be alone with his Friend, to inform himself of the Matter; and having pressed him to acquaint him with the Business, the [Page 23]Prince was obliged to tell him, That one of the Maids of Honour would have complained to the Queen, for that her Lover had entertained her with some Amorous Discourses; and that Yolanda had had the Goodness to hinder her from so doing. I am overjoyed, said Don Augustin imme­diately, that she is so indulgent; and I mean to morrow to speak to her of my Passion. Have a care of what you do, replied the Prince; People do not always practise the Counsels they give: and tho' Yolanda has blamed the Injustice of her Companion, I know not what she would do if she were in her Place. Don Augustin was a long while before he came to any Deter­mination; but his Love having got the mastery over all his Reasonings, he resolved to speak. He was youn­ger than his Friend: His Birth was not indeed so considerable, but his Beauty was extraordinary; and the great Opinion he had of his good Meen, made him believe he should [Page 24]be heard. Having declared his Re­solution to the Prince, who could never divert him from it, he went all alone to see Yolanda. After some moments of Conversation, he owned to her very ingenuously, That he found himself very much puzled to begin to her a Discourse, which he had resolved to entertain her with. Yolanda, thinking of nothing less than of what Don Augustin meant to tell her, pressed him to speak, Don Augustin having exacted that she should not be angry, declared to her at length his being in love with her. Yolanda not having so se­riously conversed with Don Augustin as with the Prince, yet could not forbear blushing a little; however, being quickly recollected, she turn­ed the thing into Raillery, and laugh'd at him for having used so much Ceremony to tell her so tri­vial a Matter. They parted in a short while after.

The Prince of Escaletta being un­der [Page 25]the greatest impatience imagi­nable to know the Success of that Visit, began to grow uneasie; when Don Augustin told him all that had passed. On the morrow they went both together to see her; and the Prince desiring to pry into the Sen­timent of Yolanda for Don Augustin, told her, after a rallying manner. That Don Augustin was very much concerned to tell her that he loved her, and that he took it very ill she did not take it seriously. You are too obliging to your Friends, answe­red Yolanda; think onely of giving good Counsels to him whom we spoke of last of all: You will have business enough, without concerning your self in the Affairs of Don Augustin.

Yolanda spent some Months long­er in this manner, not troubling her self about the Passion of Don Augu­stin, and taking a secret delight in that of the Prince. Don Augustin being discouraged by finding her al­ways insensible, thought of her no [Page 26]more. The Prince of Escaletta ap­plied himself still more and more to please her; she listned to him in the beginning, thinking she might do it without hazarding any thing of her own, and without any Senti­ments escaping from her against her will. Her Confidence was not over­well founded: As all yields to any real Love, and that it is a hard mat­ter to think ones self tenderly be­lov'd, without taking a particular Interest in People; Yolanda was pre­vail'd upon by the Addresses of the Prince, and soon perceived there­by how dangerous it is to allow of the Passion of a well-bred Man, when a Woman means not to engage her Heart. The Prince having ta­ken notice of this happy Change, by the Discourses and good Treat­ments of his Mistress, abandoned himself before her to such Trans­ports as made her acquainted with the excess of his Love.

The Satisfaction of the two Lo­vers [Page 27]was too visible, and the pleasure they took in being together, made them seek with too much care the Occasions of discoursing one ano­ther, in a Court where People live with so much circumspection. In fine, the Prince was forbid seeing her. This Prohibition, which sensi­bly afflicted him, did more promote his Affairs, than long Services could have done: For Yolanda being irri­tated by this Order, which they found so much the more Tyranni­cal, in that it came from People whom she respected against her will, and whom she ever look'd upon as the Persecutors and Disturbers of her Family, and of many others of that ancient and most renowned Kingdom of Sicily, this made her resolve to love him all her Life with an inseparable Love, in spite of all the Obstacles and Impediments that might be brought to hinder her so doing.

In the mean while, all the Court [Page 28]talk'd and discours'd daily of this Beauty, extolled even to the first Rank above all others. Her Birth was also very well known by all the Nobility; and tho' she had a vast Estate in the Kingdom of Sicily, the common Rumour made it much more than it really was. Several Grandees of Spain thought of her, as of one of the most considerable Matches of that Illustrious and Nu­merous Court: And one of the Prin­cipal Ministers had several times employed his Credit with the Queen to have her married to the Marquis of Castel-Rodrigo, who was a Person of much Merit and high Quality, and a great Favourite of the Kings; but who, on the other side, had but a very small share in the Blessings of Fortune.

The Marchioness of Villa Franca, Lady of Honour to the Queen, who was very much beloved in the Court for her fine Qualities, had had the same thoughts for the Duke of Fer­nandina [Page 29]her Son, and had also spo­ken thereof to the Queen: But her Majesty not being able to part with a Person she loved from her very Heart, still deferred coming to a De­termination. The Marchioness's Place obliging her to be at at Pa­lace, she took advantage of the Con­veniency of seeing Yolanda every Hour, did her a thousand Kindnes­ses. And that young Person not knowing whither all these Caresses tended, made such Returns as spoke a great deal of Acknowledgement. This made the Marchioness conceive such good hopes for the Success of her Sons Marriage, that she spoke thereof one day, as of an Affair without difficulty, to a Lady of Si­cily who had been recommended to her, and who at that time solici­ted some Pretensions at the Court. This Sicilian extolled extremely the Quality and Riches of the House of Cigala; and the Marchioness desir'd her earnestly to keep the Business [Page 30]secret. Nevertheless, as most of the Sicilians do naturally hate the Spaniards, as soon as the Countess of Castelmara (so is the Ladies Name) found the Prince of Escaletta, she acquainted him with all the Di­scourse she had had with the Mar­chioness of Villa-Franca, shewing too a great deal of Grief, in that a Spaniard carried away the richest Heiress of her Country.

The Prince, who had already heard talk confusedly of Castel-Ro­drigo's Pretension, was cruelly a­larm'd to hear moreover of the Pra­ctices of the Marchioness of Vil­la-Franca. Two days after, the Countess of Castelmara told him, That the Marchioness had present­ed her to Yolanda, and that she had desired her to go see her often, and insinuate into her, That the Marri­age of the Duke of Fernandina would be more to her advantage, than all those that could be propo­sed to her. And what Answer did [Page 31]you make her? interrupted the Prince. I promised to take my time to speak to her thereof, replied the Countess. Is this then, continued he, the Grief which you told me you had to see Yo­landa carried away by a Spaniard? And can you disapprove of a thing which you mean to be the Mediatrix in? The Countess finding more Heat in this Discourse of the Prince, than could well proceed from he In­terest alone of his Nation, I have already told you my Thoughts, added she; but having occasion for the Mar­chioness, I could not refuse her what she has exacted from me: However, if you love Yolanda, as it seems to me you do by your Discourses, be assu­red, that I know how to set the dif­ference I ought between you and a Spa­niard. The Prince gave her a thou­sand thanks, and engaged her, be­fore the Conversation was at an end, to give a Letter from him to Yolanda, which he withdrew to write ac­cordingly.

The Countess, who was obliged to improve the Marchioness's Fa­vour, upon the account of the Con­cerns which had brought her to Ma­drid, began to repent of her Engage­ment, when that the Prince return­ed with his Letter; and finding her irresolved, he desired her anew, with so much earnestness, that she promi­sed him at length to keep with him her Word: Whereupon she sought out the Expedients of delivering it to Yolanda after such a manner as might never expose her to the being discovered, and without Yolanda's perceiving she had taken upon her the Commission. This seem'd some­thing difficult; yet as there be few Difficulties of that nature, but which the Cunning of a Woman does sur­mount, when she applies her Mind to the thing, the Countess, after having thought of it for some time, bethought her self of making a Pac­quet of several Letters which she had newly received from Sicily, a­mongst [Page 33]which she put that from the Prince of Escaletta, and having gi­ven this Pacquet to one of her Ser­vants, with order to pretend he had newly fetch'd it from the Post-house, and to bring it to her to the Palace, in the Apartment of the Marchio­ness of Villa-Franca. The Countess having opened her Pacquet in the presence of the Marchioness and Yo­landa, gave her the Princes, pretend­ing not to know from whom it was, because she had not yet read her own. The Marchioness withdrew, out of discretion, to give them time to read their Letters, being persua­ded that her Friend would effectual­ly do her Devoirs, when she found an opportunity of speaking in fa­vour of the Duke of Fernandina. She was not mistaken; for the Coun­tess not being willing to expose Yo­landa to the disorder which she ea­sily foresaw the reading of her Lo­vers Letter would create in her, took that time to extol to her the great [Page 34]Advantages of the Alliance of the Duke of Fernandina, who was then General of the Gallies of Naples, nay, and was in hopes, by the Credit of his Mother, to succeed Don Pe­dro d' Aragon in the Viceroy-ship of that Kingdom. The Marchioness being returned into her Chamber, was overjoyed to find 'em engaged in this Conversation, and would have gone back, not to interrupt it, pretending not to have taken notice thereof: But Yolanda having percei­ved her, took occasion to follow her, and so free her self from the troublesom Conversation of the Countess.

As soon as Yolanda found her self alone, she was impatient to read her Letter, wherein she saw, with a great deal of surprise, the Name of the Prince of Escaletta; and not being able to comprehend by what hazard this Letter had come thro' the Coun­tess's Hands, whom she thought so opposite to the Interests of her Lo­ver, [Page 35]her Passion made her fear he might have been sent back into Si­cily: But these Disquiets were at an end, when that reading the Letter, she found therein these Words.

Yolanda was very glad to have seen by this Letter that her Lover was in the Sentiments she desired he might have, tho' the delicacy of her Passion found it self somewhat wounded by the Princes Distrusts; but not daring to trust any Body, being uncertain if the Countess knew of their Correspondence, she bethought herself at length of ano­ther Artifice, and resolved to hazard an Answer by the same way. On the morrow she told the Countess, That the Letter she had delivered her was from the Prince of Escalet­ta's Sister, and then desired her to deliver the Answer to her Brother, that he might send it to Sicily in his Pacquet. The Countess admiring the Industry of Yolanda, seemed to believe her in good earnest, and charg'd her self with this Letter, which she delivered faithfully to the Prince, wherein was written,

The Prince was filled with all the Joy imaginable at the reading of so tender a Letter; but having the Indiscretion of most young People, and believing that his Happiness would not be compleat if some other had not the knowledge of it, he im­parted his Secret to Don Augustin [Page 38]Gregorio, and shewed him the Let­ter he had newly received, well knowing he loved another Lady, and no longer thought of Yolanda. Don Augustin dissembling his true Sentiments, by a piece of Cunning above his Age, tho' most common to People of his Country, testified a great deal of Joy for the Happi­ness of his Friend; but indeed the Passion he had had for Yolanda being revived at the reading of this Let­ter, he resolved to make his Addres­ses to her anew. The small hopes he had had of rendring her sensible, had discouraged him from prosecu­ting that Amour; but being unde­ceiv'd by the Experience of his Friend, and having found that no Woman is Proof against a very real Passion, and a long Perseverance, he repented a thousand times his dis­engaging himself so easily, and took a strong Resolution of putting all in practice to gain a Heart which he fancied he had lost thro' his impati­ence. [Page 39]As he was perfectly handsom, and well made, and that it is rare to see in Spain young men of so great a Beauty, he attracted upon him the Eyes of all the Ladies: Nay, and he had observed too, that one of those of the Palace, a little superan­nuated, whose Name I will conceal under that of Donna Ignes, affected to do him Favours which are not commonly done to indifferent Per­sons. Love, which is ingenious, inspired him with the Design to make use of the Ministry of this Woman, for the giving Yolanda to understand the Sentiments he had for her; and the Facilities he had already met with in another, made him hope he should easily bring Donna Ignes into his Interest, since she shewed him so much Good-will.

What self-love soever there might be in this thought, the Consequen­ces let him see that he was not mi­staken, and Donna Ignes did not suffer him long to make her Advan­ces [Page 40]with Impunity. She endeavour­ed on her side to embarque Don Au­gustin, and they were quickly in a perfect good Intelligence. She was so satisfied with having at her Age a Lover with so good a Meen, and loved him with so much trasport, that it was no longer in the power of Don Augustin to speak to any Woman, without giving Jealousie to Donna Ignes; and far from daring to make her the Confident of his Passion for Yolanda, he was obliged to conceal it from her with more care than from his Rival. This gave him extreme disquiets; and no long­er being able to continue feigning a Passion which he did not feel, he sought out for a Pretext to break off so wearisom a Commerce; when that Donna Ignes, who on her side onely thought to make sure of a Lo­ver so worthy of being beloved, and who was afraid a young Person might rob her of her Conquest, pro­posed to him the putting himself [Page 41]into Womans Clothes, and to go with her into the Palace, where she would make him pass for her Niece, promising to disguise him so well, that he should never be known again, and assuring him, for to en­gage him to it, that he should par­take in all the Pleasures of the Maids of Honour, and in all the secret Di­vertisements of the Palace.

Don Augustin overjoy'd at a Pro­position which so strongly flatter'd his Passion for Yolanda, redoubled his feigned Addresses to Ignes; and making a shew of not being able to refuse any thing to his Love, he consented to all she desired. Having afterwards given out, that he was going to see one of his Friends, he entred by Night so well travestied into the Palace, that no body doubt­ed but that it was the Niece of Don­na Ignes, newly arrived from Sevil, as that pretended Vertuous Lady told all he was. Don Augustin so well maintained his Personage by [Page 42]his Beauty, and counterfeited with so good a grace the Innocence and Modesty of a Lady who begins to appear at Court, that he deceived all the World.

As Beautiful Persons have a secret Jealousie against all those who may dispute with 'em that Advantage, and that a fair young Lady is rarely seen to come to Court, without in­curring the Envy of all the Ladies who pretend to the being handsom; Yolanda, who had heard talk with admiration of the Beauty of this young Lady, went to Donna Ignes Apartment, to know if the Renown which augments every thing, did Ju­stice to the Niece of that Lady; and finding her more beautiful than she had been described to her, (perhaps at the Emotion which appeared in the Face of Don Augustin at the sight of Yolanda) she let her know how overjoy'd she should be to contract a Friendship with so lovely a Per­son. Donna Ignes could not bear [Page 43]without a great deal of pain all these little Engagements, covering her Jealousie with the fear she had of her Lover's being discovered: How­ever, not to make him too uneasie, she could not deny him the taking him along with her to Yolanda's Lodgings, under the pretext of pay­ing her a Visit; but she never left him, and gave not time to the amo­rous Don Augustin to discover him­self to Yolanda. This Constraint augmenting his Impatience, he could no longer support the violence of a Passion which became every day more strong than other, by the Pre­sence of Yolanda.

One day that Donna Ignes was employed about the Queen, he took that time to enter into Yolanda's Lodgings, and having found her alone, he spoke to her in the Sici­lian Tongue, and made himself known to her, exaggerating to her his Love, with Words the most soft and tender imaginable. Yolanda was [Page 44]in so great a surprise to see Don Au­gustin in such a posture, that she re­mained for some time without ma­king him any Answer; nut finding her self offended at his Liberty, her Indignation prevailed over all her Motions, and she was going to com­plain to the Queen, and inform her of his Disguise, for fear People should believe she had any share therein; when that Don Augustin, who had Wit, and knew that Curiosity is the weak side of all Women, told her, to stay her, that Donna Ignes had a much greater part in what he did, than he himself. This Artifice of his had the Success suitable to his Expectations; for Yolanda was so de­sirous to know the Intrigues of a Woman she had ever looked upon as hypocritically Vertuous, tho' al­ways set as an Example to the Maids of Honour, that she almost forgot her Anger.

Don Augustin acquainted her with all she desired to know; and she [Page 45]pardoned him, upon condition he would see her no more. In this Conversation Yolanda spoke to him after such a manner, as deprived him of all Hopes from thence forward; and setting before his Eyes his Trea­chery in this Action to his Friend, she saw in him so much remorse, that she did not think she ran any risque, by ordering him to tell the Prince of Escaletta, That she would ever be faithful to him.

This Conversation having lasted something too long, Donna Ignes was returned to her Apartment, and not finding Don Augustin, she sought him out on all sides, and surprised him at length in Yolanda's Lodgings. The disorder her presence put those two young persons in, making her judge that they were of intelligence, she could hardly forbear bursting out immediately into a fury: She dissembled her Jealousie, took back with her her pretended Niece, and as soon as they were alone, charged [Page 46]him to some purpose with injurious Language. Don Augustin, wearied out with the Tyranny of this Wo­man, and having no more hopes as to Yolanda, he began to grow weary of his Disguise, and to shew a great deal of uneasiness. Donna Ignes, who observed him with care, and no long­er finding in him his first Transports, whether feigned or real, was so strangely concerned, that she grew distracted; she committed a hun­dred Extravagancies in the Palace, nay, and afterwards went and com­plained to the Queen of the little Fervency of her Lover. People ea­sily perceived that her Brains were crack'd; and as she confounded in her Discourses her Lover with her Niece, and Don Augustin with her faithless Gallant, the Queen had the Curiosity to dive into this Affair; and having sent for that pretended Niece, Don Augustin fell into so great a confusion at the extravagant Di­scourses of distracted Ignes, that he [Page 47]was easily known to be whom he really was. The Queen being ex­tremely offended at such a piece of Boldness, had him immediately ta­ken into Custody, with design to punish him severely. Poor Ignes was confined, and gave occasion to the Rumour which ran over all Eu­rope at that time, That a Woman of Quality in Spain was become mad thro' Jealousie.

Yolanda having heard talk of this unhappy Adventure, was under cruel Disquiets, for fear of being brought into it; and as this was of the high­est Consequence for her, especially in a Country where People are very susceptible of Impressions disadvan­tageous to Women, she carefully in­quired into all the Circumstances of this Affair, but was so happy as not to be named.

The Prince of Escaletta, who had already repented himself more than once of his having shewed his Let­ter to Don Augustin, suspected that [Page 48] Yolanda had more share in this Dis­guise than Ignes, and the Jealousie of this latter confirmed him in his Errour. The Queen in the mean while was very much irritated a­gainst a­gainst Don Augustin; yet as a Crime of Love does ever meet with Parti­zans, so many several Persons em­ploy'd their Credit in his Favour, that they obtained at length his Pardon of the Queen, upon condi­tion, however, that he should be car­ried back to Messina, in the same Po­sture he had been surprised in, in the Palace; and that he should be kept a Month in the Castle of S. Sauveur, still in the Garb of a Woman; her Majesty being resolved to punish him with the shame that this Dis­guise would bring upon him in his own Country. His Friends having had leave to see him before his de­parture, the Prince of Escaletta went immediately to him, and Don Au­gustin seeing him come in, embraced him with all the Testimonies of a [Page 49]real Friendship: He owned to him sincerely all that had passed, with­out concealing from him, that his Passion for Yolanda had engaged him to feign a Love to Ignes; but that he had found her so far from ever list­ning to any other Passion than that of the P. of Escaletta, that despair­ing of being ever able to make her change her Sentiment, he contented himself with obtaining for a Favour, that she would not discover him; which Yolanda had granted with some difficulty, upon condition, how­ever, he should never see her more, and that he would go and assure from her the Prince of Escaletta, That she would be faithful to him until death. Judge now, after this, continued he, if you be not the most happy of all Men. The Prince well knowing that Don Augustin spoke to him in good earnest, was very well satisfied with hearing all these Cir­cumstances, and was cured by this faithful Testimony of all the Mis­trusts [Page 50]which his Friends Disguise had raised in him.

New Endeavours were again used to prevail with the Queen to abate of her Severity, and grant an abso­lute Pardon to Don Augustin; but her Majesty would not hear of any thing more in his favour: He was conducted under Guard to Barcelo­na, where he was embarqued in the first Ship that departed for Sicily, accompanied with a severe Guide, who had express Orders to see the Queens Pleasure punctually execu­ted. The second Day of their em­barquing, they were surprised by a furious Tempest, which cast 'em upon the Coasts of Barbary, where they were upon the point of perish­ing, the Main-mast of the Ship bro­ken, and most of the Tackling shat­ter'd. They spent a whole Night between Death and Life. On the morrow, it was no sooner day, than that they were discovered by a Tur­kish Ship, who taking notice of the [Page 51]ill Condition the Tempest had re­duced them to, attaqued 'em, and took 'em after a weak Resistance. Don Augustin being become a Slave, thought that his Disguise would be to his advantage, well knowing, that amongst the Nations the most Bar­barous they have Regards for the Fair Sex. He was not mistaken; for the Corsair who took 'em find­ing this pretended Maiden very much to his mind, he treated her with more Lenity than is usual to those of his Profession. He was not long without making known to him his Passion; but the Resistance of Don Augustin having but augment­ed it, he thought he could not free himself from his Importunities, but by declaring to him the truth of his Sex. Nevertheless, this Confession did not produce upon the Spirit of the Corsair the Effect Don Augustin expected it would have done.

Whilst that Don Augustin was ex­posed to the Injustice of this Barba­rian, [Page 52]the Prince of Escaletta was not without Employ at Madrid. The Countess of Castelmara being gained by the good Offices the Marchioness of Villa-Franca had rendred her at Court, had espoused her Interests, and out of acknowledgment gave her notice of the Passion which the Prince of Escaletta had for Yolanda, and of the perfect Understanding of those two Persons; assuring her however, if she could by her Credit send away the Prince, she might hope in a short time to gain the Con­sent of Yolanda. The Marchioness approving of this Advice, put all in practice, to oblige the Court to send back the Prince into Sicily. She found therein such Difficulties as she had not foreseen, and perceived that the Chief Minister, who was wil­ling to keep some Measures with a Nobleman of that Quality, was di­sposed to gratifie him with one Em­ploy or other before his departure. The Marchioness fearing the Busi­ness [Page 53]might be deferred, laboured for him with the same eagerness she could have done for the Interests of her own Son: She obtained, in fa­vour of him, a Regiment of Foot in Sicily. The Prince very much sur­pris'd at a Boon that was granted him, without his having solicited it, had a secret Vexation at this Mark of Esteem which he thought he was honoured with by the Court; and thought this Employment did agree­ably flatter his Ambition, he could not resolve to accept a Favour which separated him from the Person in the World he loved with most Pas­sion: But Decency and his Courage not allowing him to refuse an Oc­casion which would afford him the Means of distinguishing himself from the young Persons of his Age, he resolved to depart, that so he might not render himself unworthy of the kind Dispositions of the Court. Ne­vertheless, not being able to deter­mine himself to this departure with­out [Page 54]taking leave of Yolanda, he in vain tried several Means to obtain leave to make her a Visit: The Marchioness of Villa-Franca making it her Business to hinder this Inter­view, rendred the thing impossible; and the enamoured Prince despair­ing of bringing it about, addressed himself to the Countess of Castel­mara, and in short desired her to de­liver one Letter more from him to Yolanda. This perfidious Lady, af­ter having made a great deal ado to excuse her from medling in that matter, pretending at length to be moved and overcome by the excess of his Passion, promised him to take upon her to do it; and the Prince overjoyed with having gained her, in hopes she would acquit her self of it with the same Fidelity she had done in the former, gave her this Letter.

As soon as the Prince was de­parted, the Countess, in stead of carrying his Letter to Yolanda, as she had engaged her self to do, sa­crificed it to the Marchioness of Vil­la-Franca; who judging by the pas­sionate Terms in which it was con­ceived, that the Prince stood in no ill terms in Yolanda's Breast, applied all her Cares to break off this Com­merce: Nay, she was upon the point of shewing this Letter to the Queen, to irritate her Majesty against the Prince; but she was diverted from it thro' the fear she had of giving some disadvantageous Impression of Yolanda's Conduct, whom she alrea­dy looked upon as her Daughter-in-Law. She was so satisfied with the Offices of the Countess of Castel­mara, that she procured her several Occasions of seeing Yolanda, and of contracting a particular Friendship with her; which was easie for her to do, under the colour of discour­sing her upon the Affairs of Sicily. [Page 57]One day that they were alone, the Countess cunningly let the Discourse fall upon the Princes departure: she spoke of his Merit with all the E­steem and Consideration that the best of his Friends could have done. Yolanda, deceived by this Artifice, and overjoyed to see the Countess in Sentiments so conformable to her own, loved her the more for it, and always made her a kind Reception from that time. The Countess ac­quainted the Marchioness with this happy beginning, and with all the Discourse she had entertained Yolan­da with in favour of the Prince, for the gaining her Confidence, and for the being afterwards in a better state to injure her Lover. The Marchio­ness approved of her Cunning. They had several Conferences to concert the Means for the well-managing of their Project. The experience they both had in such like Affairs, made 'em both judge that Jealousie was an infallible Expedient to alter the [Page 58]good Intelligence of those two Lo­vers, and that if they could instil it into Yolanda, it would contribute much towards the promoting of their Design. To bring this about the more easily, the Marchioness cast her Eyes upon a Maid of Ho­nour who had been brought up near her, and having perswaded her that the Countess of Castelmara and she had onely a mind to put a Sham up­on Yolanda, to divert 'emselves there­by afterwards, when they should have discovered her real Sentiments for the Prince of Escaletta, and that it imported 'em, for the bringing this about, to persuade her she had a Rival; this young Lady, being over­joyed to find an occasion of making her self merry, promised the Mar­chioness to play the Part she desired. After this Engagement, they be­thought themselves of changing the Cover of the Letter which the Prince had left for Yolanda, to counterfeit the Superscription the best they [Page 59]were able, and to address it to Don­na Theresa Gomes (which is the Name of the pretended Rival.) These two Women having so well disposed all things, the Countess, who had already acquired a great deal of Cre­dit in Yolanda's good Opinion, still pretending of her never having ta­ken notice of the Good will she had for the Prince, told her one day, out of a kind of Confidence, That she was very much mistaken if the Prince of Escaletta had not an In­trigue with one of the Maids of Ho­nour; nay, and that since his depar­ture, she had observed a certain Cu­riosity, mingled with a great deal of Disquiet, in one of her Compa­nions, which confirmed her in her Opinion. This Artifice had the ho­ped for Effect; for Yolanda falling into this Snare, shew'd her self very earnest to know the Name of her Rival, and to be informed of the Circumstances of this Intrigue. The Countess cunningly managing this [Page 60]Affair, told her, That perhaps she made a rash Judgment, and that she would dive into the Truth, be­fore she acquainted her with any thing further. This Reservedness augmenting the impatient Curiosity of Yolanda, she desired her never­theless to tell her what she knew thereof; but the Countess persisting not to do it, for fear, said she, of wounding her Conscience, by af­firming a thing which she was not very sure of; Yolanda, without be­ing so contented, conjured her to acquaint her at least with the Name of the Person. Then the Countess, pretending that she could no longer resist her pressing Importunities, own'd to her at length, that it was Donna Theresa, beseeching her that she would rest her self so satisfied, in the assurance that she gave her, carefully to apply her self to disco­ver if she were not mistaken. There­upon she retired; and Yolanda be­ing alone, was racked with a hun­dred [Page 61]several Suspicions. After seve­ral Conflicts, wherein her Love had much ado to comfort her against her Jealousie, she resolved to suspend her Resentment, and to wait until the Countess, in whom she had an entire Confidence, had sifted into this Affair. Two days after, the Countess having met with Yolanda, told her, That she had wherewith to content her Curiosity, having learnt things which she should not dare to tell her, unless she was assured of be­ing secret. Yolanda having passed her word she would, the Countess added, That since she had seen her last, she had insinuated her self fur­ther into the Confidence of Donna Theresa, who had owned to her the perfect Intelligence which was be­tween her and the Prince of Esca­letta; nay, that she had shewn her a Letter which she had received from him. I must own to you, conti­nued the Countess, that I was a lit­tle surprised at a Secret of this na­ture; [Page 62]seeing nevertheless that she did not blush, I thought I might dispence my self from blushing for her. This, my Fair One, is all I have learnt of the Affairs of the Prince of Escaletta. Yolanda had much ado to conceal her Jealousie, and forbear exclaim­ing against the Prince, whom she thought unfaithful. By good luck, other Persons came into the Place where they were talking, which gave Yolanda occasion to withdraw. The Countess observing the great Effect which this forged Secret had produced upon the Mind of the too credulous Yolanda, went to rejoyce with the Marchioness for the happy Success of their Artifice, advising her to finish what they had so happi­ly begun, to see the new Donna Theresa, and to put into her Hands the Princes Letter, that she might oblige her to shew the Writing of it to Yolanda, yet without suffering her to read what it contained, not to give her any occasion of suspect­ing [Page 63]their Cheat. The Marchioness knowing of what Consequence it was to her, for the success of her Designs, to follow the Counsels of the Countess, spoke thereof to Don­na Theresa, who promis'd her to do all she prescrib'd to her, not distrust­ing that the Marchioness, who was her great Friend, and who flatter'd her sometimes with the Hopes that she might be her Daughter-in-Law, would exact any thing from her which could do her any injury.

It would be a hard matter to ex­press the dolorous Estate that Yolan­da was reduced to, when she no longer doubted of the Infidelity of her Lover. Spite, Anger, and Re­venge, did equally rend her Breast. Love, which in such like Occasions always speaks in favour of the ab­sent, in vain endeavoured to repre­sent to her the Prince less culpable; not being able to resolve to banish him from her Heart, tho' being per­swaded of his Crime, she sought for [Page 64]at least some Pretext that might help to deceive her. After a thousand different Thoughts, she at length came to this Determination, by a last effort of her Passion, to inform her self with her own Eyes, and to see often Donna Theresa, flattering her self, that she would shew her that Criminal Letter, since she had made no difficulty of shewing it to the Countess. As soon as she had taken this Resolution, her Thoughts were wholly bent upon putting it in exe­cution. Donna Theresa, on her side, being desirous to please the Countess, by acquitting her self handsomly of the Engagements she was under, watched too for Opportunities of meeting alone with Yolanda. Ha­ving both the same Design, it was no hard matter for them to meet. They discoursed for a pretty while upon indifferent things, each endea­vouring to cover her Design. Don­na Theresa, whose Thoughts were more disengaged, asked her if she [Page 65]had not seen a very fine Song, which was much esteemed by all the Court? Yolanda, whose Heart and Mind were extremely possessed, made her answer coldly, That she was no Lover of Poetry: But a Re­flection made her perceive that it became her not to seem so concern­ed; she asked to see it, and Donna Theresa pretending to take it out of her Pocket, to give it her to read, presented her the Letter of the Prince of Escaletta. Yolanda know­ing the Hand again at the first blush, was seised with such Motions, that Donna Theresa, pretending to per­ceive her Errour, by the astonish­ment of her Companion, snatched the Letter hastily out of her Hands, and gave her the Sonet in the stead of it, affecting a formal Confusion, in having mistaken the one for the other. There needed no more ab­solutely to ruine the unfortunate Yo­landa; she could hardly hold from giving excessive marks of her De­spair, [Page 66]after having seen so convin­cing a Proof of her Lovers Infidelity; and tho' before hand she had thought she had prepared her self for all the Events of that dangerous Scrutiny, she could not however forbear telling her Rival, That knowing the inconstant Humors of the Cavaliers of her Nation, she was willing to put her in mind not to rely much upon the Fidelity of the Prince of Escaletta, Donna Theresa being willing to push on her Arti­fice, replied, That she was not at all uneasie upon the matter, and was well assured of the sincerity of his Sentiments. Yolanda being no longer able to support so painful a Conver­sation, and perceiving that her Tears would betray her, if she delayed withdrawing, desired Donna The­resa to leave with her that Sonet to copy it, and under that pretence she shut her self up in her Chamber, where she abandoned her self to Grief. She saw no Condition more [Page 67]unhappy than hers, when she repre­sented to her self the aversion she had to the Spaniards, the Reasons she thought obliged her to be reven­ged on them, and the Promise the Prince of Escaletta had made her, of espousing her Resentment, which had formerly held the first place in her Heart, were incomparably be­low the Despair which the Incon­stancy of her Lover created in her. It is impossible to express the piteous Estate these Considerations reduced her to; deprived of her Parents and Relations, exil'd, as I may say, a­mongst her Enemies, without re­source, without hopes: all yielded to the horrour of not being belov'd, and of seeing her self deceived by a Man whom she thought so worthy of her Affections.

In the mean while the Marchio­ness, who had been informed by Donna Theresa, took new measures with the Countess; and as she knew, that when a Lady is fully [Page 68]perswaded that she has been failed, that time is the most proper to speak in favour of another, they resolved to make use of that occasion to pro­pose the Marriage of the Duke of Fernandina. The Countess charged her self with all, and having visited Yolanda, whom she found very sad, she held her a long Discourse upon the State of the Affairs of Sicily, and upon the particular Misfortunes of the House of Cigala, and conclu­ded with the necessity she was in to support it, to marry a Man of Me­rit, who stood well at Court, and who might by his Credit re-establish it in its former Splendour. Yolanda was so oppressed with grief, that she hearkned to this Discourse with as much indifference, as if she had no share therein. The Countess think­ing by her silence that she relished her Reasons, continued, extolling the Birth, Personal Merit, and Authori­ty of the Duke of Fernandina, (who perhaps would suddenly be nomina­ted [Page 69]Vice-Roy of Sicily) adding, That she saw no Man that was a fit­ter Match for her, nor who was more capable of raising up again the Grandeur of her Family. Yolanda being afraid she would never have done, interrupted her with saying. That it was to no purpose to tell her of all those great Advantages, since she had an intention to spend her Life in a Convent. The Coun­tess attributing this Answer to the first Motion of spite which she knew Yolanda must needs have for the pre­tended Infidelity of her Lover, and Yolanda having declared that she was obliged to be at the Queens Apartment, an end was put to this Conversation, without the Countess knowing her self what there was to hope or fear.

While that all this passed at Ma­drid, the Prince of Escaletta was at Messina, where he was continually thinking on the means of seeing a­gain his Mistress. The Nobility of [Page 70]the City had frequent Conferences at that time with the Senators, to endeavour together the preserving the Authority of the Senate, which the Governour diminished every day. After several Deliberations, they found no means more lawful to prevent the Consequences of it, than that of having recourse to their Sovereign, and resolved to send some one or other into Spain, for the carrying their Complaints to the King, against the Usurpations of the Governour, for to penetrate once for all, if all the Means which the Governours used to debase 'em, pro­ceeded from a particular Hatred which they had against 'em, or from an Order of the Court. The Prince of Escaletta seeing that Disposition, employed all his Friends to obtain that Employment, in hopes that being Ambassadour, they could no longer deny to let him see his Mi­stress; but the remembrance of the ill Treatments the House of Cigala [Page 71]had received from the Spaniards, and the hatred they nourish'd upon that account in their Hearts, made 'em prefer Don Philip Cigala, Yolanda's Uncle, before the Prince of Escalet­ta, in an Employment wherein the main Business was to maintain their Liberty, and oppose the Jealousie of the Spaniards. The Prince having notice hereof, comforted himself for the Refusal he had met with, in hopes that Don Philip, who espoused his Interests, and was his particular Friend, would suddenly bring back his Niece. He was the first to con­gratulate this new Ambassador, and press him forthwith to depart. Don Philip embarqued shortly after, and promised the Prince to do his good Offices in his favour with Yolanda. But the Countess of Castelmara ha­ving had notice of this Messinese's departure, gave the Marchioness of Villa-Franca to understand, That it was of the greatest consequence to her, to prepossess the Ministers as [Page 72]to this Voyage, and to traverse the Negotiation of Don Philip, be­cause she had received notice, That this Ambassador came away with design to carry back his Niece, which would absolutely ruine the Project of the Duke of Fernandina's Match. The Countess found it no hard matter to persuade the Mini­sters, the Council of Spain having long before taken the resolution to destroy the Senate of Messina, be­cause of the resistance the Spanish Governours met with in that Com­munity.

Don Philip being arrived at Ma­drid, they took the Pretext not to to receive him, by refusing him the Quality of Ambassador. tho' they had never made any difficulty to give that Title to the Deputies of the City of Messina; and far from hearkning to the Remonstrances and Submissions, it was taken into deliberation, whether the Ambassa­dor should be taken into custody. [Page 73]Don Philip having had secret notice hereof, gave 'em not time to execute their Designs, and retired in all haste, without so much as having seen his Niece, not daring to ven­ture going to the Palace, for fear of being seised on. The Messineses see­ing Don Philip return with so little satisfaction, were so provoked by the Contempt the Spaniards had of their Submissions, that they no lon­ger doubted of the ill-will of the Spaniards, whom they looked upon as Persecutors; and since that time, the Troubles of Messina have ever been augmenting.

What share soever that the Prince of Escaletta took in the Publick Af­fairs, hearing of the ill success of his Friends Voyage, the Interest of his Love contributed very much to the making him detest the unjust Proceedings of the Spaniards. He complained thereof to all the World, and spoke of it in such Terms as sufficiently gave to understand, that [Page 74]he interested himself in this Business after another manner than what concerned the Publick. The fear of seeing a Spaniard Possessor of his Mistress, gave him continual Alarms; and onely thinking how to hinder this Misfortune, he had several Con­ferences with the Relations of the House of Cigala, who gave with delight their Consent to his Marri­age with Yolanda. There was now nothing more to do, than to have her brought back from Spain; and this was what troubled the Prince most, upon the Difficulties he fore­saw in this Return. He would not have stuck returning to Madrid, and demanding her of the Queen, se­conded with the Consent of her Relations, which he could easily have obtained in Writing; but the knowledge he had of the Spanish Policy, made him with reason fear, that his Love would be made in him a Crime of State, and that perhaps it might be laid hold on for an oc­casion [Page 75]of taking him into custody, for having abandoned without Or­der the Employment which the Court had confided in him the Year foregoing. All these Reasonings augmented his Disquiets, and his Passion was too strong to permit him to be calm, being separated from what he loved, with so little like­lihood of meeting in a good while.

Don Thomas Caraffo, who had married a Lady of the House of Cigala, by whom he had several Children, and who by his Quality, his Age, and his Credit, was the Person who gave most weight to all the Deliberations of the Family, for the bringing about the Pretensions of the Prince of Escaletta, was of opinion to interpose the Authority of the Prince of Ligne, at that time Viceroy of Sicily, and very much beloved by the Messineses, for the knowledge they had of his Equity, and of his Humour, an Enemy to all Violences. The Sentiment of [Page 76]Don Thomas Caraffo having been ap­proved of, he himself had in charge to go to Palermo, to desire the Vice­roy to write to Spain, for the de­manding the return of Yolanda. The Prince de Ligne received him very obligingly, and wrote accordingly to the Queen in Terms very pres­sing, beseeching Her Majesty to send back Yolanda to her Relations, who passionately desired it, looking upon her as the Resource and Com­fort of all their Family; and con­cluded, That if her Majesty thought fitting, Yolanda might repass into Italy with the new Dutchess of Os­suna, who was going to her Hus­band in his Government of Milan. The hopes the Prince had of obtain­ing some Advantage by the Vice­roys Intercession, gave some kind of Allay to his corroding Thoughts.

The Queen having received the Prince of Ligne's Letter, was at first willing to grant him his Demand; nay, she spoke thereof to Yolanda, [Page 77]declaring to her, that she was loth to consent to her departure, out of the affection she had to her Person. But this Business coming to the Ears of the Marchioness of Villa-Franca, she set so many Machins a going to hinder it, that the Affair was put into deliberation. She infused into the Ministers, That Yolanda being one of the richest Matches, and of one of the Principal Families of Sicily, it did extremely import the King's In­terest to have her married to a Spa­niard, who might with such consi­derable Riches render great Services to the State, and dissipate by his Pre­sence, and by his Cares, all the Ca­bals which began already to be for­med at Messina against the Service of the King of Spain. The Reasons of the Marchioness were so proba­ble, that she easily persuaded what she desired, and it was resolved in the Council, That the Queen should make answer to the Viceroy of Si­cily, and let him know, That she [Page 78]would have agreed to Yolanda's re­turn to her Relations, but that be­ing satisfied with her Services, she thought her self bound, out of ac­knowledgment, to detain her some time longer, not being able to re­solve to suffer her to depart from the Court, without giving her Te­stimonies of her Esteem; and that she was in hopes to procure her quickly a Husband, who should be worthy of her, and with whom her Relations should have ever reason to be satisfied.

The Prince de Ligne having re­ceived this Answer, sent it to Don Thomas Caraffo, who imparted it to the other Relations; they quickly concluded, that it had been concerted in the Council, and that the Spani­ards thought less of giving a grate­ful Establishment to Yolanda, than of hindring her Riches from falling in­to a suspected Family. They meant to conceal this ill. News from the Prince of Escaletta; but his Love, [Page 79]which made him fear the worst, had given him secret pre-senti­ments of this Answer. He had like to have died of grief, when Yo­landa's Relations told him the truth of the matter: They resolved, for his comfort, that Don Philip Cigala should write a Letter to his Niece, in the Name of all the Family, by which he should let her know the extreme desire that all her Family had to see her married to the Prince of Escaletta, and that they hoped, from the goodness of her Dispositi­on, that she would defere to the Choice of her Relations; nay, that she would represent to the Queen this Engagement, if it hapned that her Majesty would propose to her any other Match. Tho' all these Paces were feeble enough, the Prince, who could do nothing better in the present state, and who still recko­ned upon the Inclination which his Mistress had for him, flattered him­self, that this Letter would produce [Page 80]a good Effect, and that at least it might help Yolanda to defend her self, upon this pretext, from enga­ging her self to any body without the Consent of her Relations, for fear of incurring the anger of Hea­ven, which the Spaniards never fail of threatning their disobedient Chil­dren with, and which they always give for a Pretext to their Designs.

There hapned at that time great Broils between the Spaniards and the Messineses, the Nobility having strongly opposed some Novelty, which the Governour of the City would have introduced, without the participation of the Senate: But this Disorder was quickly appeased by the Care and Vigilance of the Prince de Ligne, who still diverted the Storm, and perhaps that if he had been believed, the affairs of Messina would not have run so counter to the Spaniards, having several times given the Court notice of the Hu­mours of the Sicilians, who are the [Page 81]People in the World the most jea­lous of the Preservation of their Privileges: But no Ear was given to his Advices, and the Council of Spain, that had for a long while pro­jected the Ruine of the Senate of Messina, as I have already said, ta­king new Umbrages from the Union of the Senators with the Nobility, thought of executing this Design; and not being willing to employ main Force, lest they should alarm the other Cities of the Kingdom, they thought they might more easi­ly bring it about by Artifice: For that purpose they stood in need of a Man of Wit, who knew well how to dissemble his real Sentiments: And as in all sorts of Nations there are not wanting Persons of that Character, those who were of the Secret pro­posed several Persons, whom they judged very proper for the bringing about this Design. Don Lewis de Loya, whose Genius was known, and who in such like Occasions had, [Page 82]given Marks of his Ability, was preferred before all the others, and was sent to Messina in Quality of Stratico, (so call they the Gover­nour.) This Charge, which after that of Viceroy is the most considera­ble of the Kingdom of Sicily, ha­ving been confided in Don Lewis de Loya, with secret Memoires of the Intentions of the Court, he depart­ed secure of the Protection of the Ministers, and full of the great Hopes that were given him, in case he com­passed the destroying the Senate of Messina by his Cunning. He had given him all the Powers necessary for acting, neither were they sparing of great Sums of Money for the fa­cilitating all things to him. The Viceroy of Sicily had Order not to meddle at all with the particular Af­fairs of Messina, and to suffer Don Lewis to act as he should think con­venient. This new Governour be­ing arrived at Messina, applied him­self forthwith to grow well acquain­ted [Page 83]with the Humour and Inclinati­ons of those with whom he had to do, trusting in that case onely to his own knowledg. Having observed, that the People of that Country suffer themselves sometimes to their disadvantage, to be deceived by the Appearances of Piety, he fancied he might easily insinuate himself into their good Opinion, by feigning a great Probity, seconded by an ex­emplary Devotion. There is no sort of Hypocrisie but which he be­thought himself of, for the bringing this about: He often visited the Churches, frequented the Sacra­ments; in short, exercised such a Piety as altogether resembles that which is practised by People who are really Devout. And to take a­way all pretext of Detraction, and hold from those who knew him to the bottom, of blaming so holy a Conduct, he maintained his Hypo­crisie with several considerable Alms, which he knew how to distribute [Page 84]with more Cunning than Piety, em­ploying for that use the Money that was given him at his Departure. His Artifices had immediately the Effect he had promised to himself; for the People, who never dive into any thing, and judge of all things by the Appearances, looked upon Don Lewis as the Defender of Ju­stice. He knew so well how to be­have himself in his Dissimulation, with so much artifice, that in a short while the Publick was as fully per­suaded of the sincerity of his Inten­tions, as it was already of his Ver­tue.

As soon as Don Lewis found him­self in the good Opinion of the Common People to his Hearts de­sire, he made use of the Credit which his Artifices had acquired him, for to inspire into 'em an Aversion a­gainst the Senate, and against the Nobility. The Senators being well informed of the Designs of Don Lewis, neglected nothing for the [Page 85]destroying his ill Intentions. They let those see, who were not pre­possessed, that Don Lewis made it his whole Business to disunite the Nobility and the People, onely that he might with the more ease crush 'em both afterwards.

While that the Affairs of Messina were in this ill disposition, Yolanda was in no more tranquillity in the midst of the Court, than her Relati­ons amidst Tumults and Seditions. She had received a Letter from Don Philip Cigala her Uncle, which had given her some Comfort, as much as her Love alarm'd was capable of Consolation, in the unhappy Cir­cumstances which the Intrigues of the Marchioness of Villa-Franca, and of the Countess of Castelmara, had reduced her to. Repassing in her Mind all the Circumstances of that Letter, she judged that her Relati­ons were desirous of a Match be­tween her and the Prince of Escalet­ta, out of Reasons of Interest or De­cency, [Page 86]perhaps unknown to the Prince, or at least perhaps without that Love had any share therein. These Reflexions augmented her anxiety, and the remembrance of her Lover's Infidelity put her in de­spair. The Countess was become suspected to her, thro' the Interest she had seen she took in her Marri­age with the Duke of Fernandina. She was surrounded with People whom she hated, and she had not a Person of trust, to whom she could discover the real Sentiments of her Heart, which much contributed to the rendring her Misfortunes the more sensible; nothing in the World being so proper to allay our Evils, and principally Amorous Pains, as imparting 'em to a Confident. The Tears she shed, and the Affliction which almost ever appeared in her Face, were not capable of bringing any great change to her Beauty, which was so perfect, that all the Court spoke of it with admiration. [Page 87]Those who knew her not, were ex­tremely desirous to see her, and she was commonly called The Beau­tiful Sicilian. Several young Per­sons of the Court sighed for her, but not any of 'em had ever declared to her his Passion, by reason of the dif­ficulty there was of coming at her, and by the little opportunity she afforded for so doing. In short, ne­ver did a Beautiful Person spend more unpleasantly the first Years of her Youth; and those happy Times which two Lovers enjoy, who are not disturbed in their Passion, had onely lasted for her as long as was necessary to make her the more lively sensible of the unhappy Estate she was in.

YOLANDA OF SICILY.